The Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle
The Haunted Castle event at Warwick Castle returns for its third year. With intricate decoration, special shows, characters and a unique family Halloween attraction, the event offers fun and surprises for all members of the family:
The Haunted Hollows
We really weren't sure what to expect as we walked into the Haunted Hollows for the first time. With warnings of strobe lighting and the sound of ominous music ringing out, the entrance through the graveyard leading to the first doorway, may as well have been for a full on adult scare attraction!
As it is, the Holllows are a more family based attraction with a number of live actors who concentrate more on characterisation and discussion as opposed to trying to terrify visitors. Saying that though - certain elements of the walk are VERY dark. The attraction has a number of features including a maze section in the middle, some creepy cobwebbed tunnels and a surprise ending (featuring those strobes we were warned about!)
We enjoyed both our trips through the Hollows and were just able to relax and look at some of the impressive theming without fear of being terrified by an actor. Those we did encounter were more comical than anything else.
On a final note: it is clear that on a dark winter evening the Hollows have the potential to be terrifying and all it would take would be some actual scare actors. Maybe the castle should consider running twilight tours for more demanding adults and teens after a certain time?
As it is, the Holllows are a more family based attraction with a number of live actors who concentrate more on characterisation and discussion as opposed to trying to terrify visitors. Saying that though - certain elements of the walk are VERY dark. The attraction has a number of features including a maze section in the middle, some creepy cobwebbed tunnels and a surprise ending (featuring those strobes we were warned about!)
We enjoyed both our trips through the Hollows and were just able to relax and look at some of the impressive theming without fear of being terrified by an actor. Those we did encounter were more comical than anything else.
On a final note: it is clear that on a dark winter evening the Hollows have the potential to be terrifying and all it would take would be some actual scare actors. Maybe the castle should consider running twilight tours for more demanding adults and teens after a certain time?
 This actor was particularly strong |
 Which way in? |
 One of the many indoor dark sections |
 Even more so, which way out? |
The Haunted Castle
On entering the main hall of the castle, we were taken aback at the attention to detail and theming. From enhanced mood lighting, spooky music and an abundance of cobwebs, everywhere you looked was dressed for Halloween. Even the main banqueting table was elaborately themed as a disgusting feast.
Walking around the hall and all the staterooms were a number of "ghosts" including spirits of past owners and a comical pairing of headless ghosts! These friendly ghosts would interact with guests and pose for photos if required.
All in all, a fun and impressive makeover.
Walking around the hall and all the staterooms were a number of "ghosts" including spirits of past owners and a comical pairing of headless ghosts! These friendly ghosts would interact with guests and pose for photos if required.
All in all, a fun and impressive makeover.
 the rotten feast |
 All the rooms are elaborately themed |
The Castle Dungeons
With all the other additions to the castle, we were a bit surprised that nothing extra has been added to the The Castle Dungeon for Halloween. Having said that, the attraction remains a scary and fun mix of grusome history, corny gags and a couple of quick shocks.
Please note: The Castle Dungeon is a pay extra attraction in certain cicumstances.
Please note: The Castle Dungeon is a pay extra attraction in certain cicumstances.
Other highlights
Halloween has really come to the Castle this year, as scattered around the park are thousands of pumpkins. They are everywhere you look and really brighten up the pathways around the site.
The Castle also felt full of more roaming characters and actors than usual, from the deranged and plague ridden mother on the left through to Merlin the Wizard and a daring dragon slayer.
Throughout the day, a number of shows and stories related to the dark Halloween months can be experienced.
The Castle also felt full of more roaming characters and actors than usual, from the deranged and plague ridden mother on the left through to Merlin the Wizard and a daring dragon slayer.
Throughout the day, a number of shows and stories related to the dark Halloween months can be experienced.
 Spot the pumpkins up the mound |
 Pumpkin pie anyone? |
 The brave Dragon Slayer |
 Poor quality picture but the headless ghosts were fun! |
The Haunted Castle and the Haunted Hollows are great entertainment for all the family with scares and chill for all ages. Ok, so there arent any chainsaw waving maniacs or blood thirsty zombies but the fun and attention to detail in the design, will help create a passion and joy for all things scary from our younger generation. Which can ONLY be a good thing!
The Haunted Castle runs at Warwick castle until October 31st. Visit their website for details